We recently connected with Marlon Urbina and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Marlon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
The idea for English 101 Language School didn’t start in a boardroom—it started in a classroom. After years of teaching ESL and working closely with immigrant students in Houston, I kept seeing the same pattern: students eager to learn, but stuck in programs that didn’t meet their needs. Many schools offered flashy promises — but lacked structure, consistency, or cultural awareness. I knew there had to be a better way.
One day, I just sat down and asked myself: “If I were learning English today, what would I want? What would actually help me succeed?” That was the spark. I imagined a school designed from the learner’s perspective—practical, structured, and focused on comprehension, not just conversation.
From there, things moved fast—but not without challenges. The very next day, I started outlining what the curriculum would look like. I pulled from a methodology that is logical and well-structured. That was exactly what most learners were missing, and I knew it could be adapted for my idea.
Over the following weeks, I researched everything: state regulations, licensing, lease options, insurance, classroom design, and technology. By the time we opened in 2019, I had schedules, classrooms, printed materials and even designed a virtual listening lab. But then, just months later, the pandemic hit. We had to pivot hard. I converted the entire operation online — re-recording listening labs, adapting assessments, and supporting students remotely. It wasn’t easy, but it proved that the heart of our idea could survive even the hardest moments.
Looking back, launching English 101 took equal parts vision, research, trial-and-error, and grit. The idea was always clear— but getting it off the ground meant turning that idea into systems, programs, and real human relationships. That’s how English 101 was born — not just from an idea, but from the belief that English can be taught better, especially to the communities that need it most.
Marlon, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Marlon Urbina, and I’m the founder of English 101 Language School, a project born out of both passion and necessity. I’ve been an ESL instructor for over 35 years now, and throughout those years, I witnessed countless students— hardworking adults, new arrivals, professionals, and parents — struggle with programs that either moved too fast, lacked structure, or didn’t understand their cultural background and learning style. I didn’t just want to teach English; I wanted to create a space where language acquisition was result-oriented, structured, and genuinely effective.
That’s how English 101 began. We offer English training for adults, particularly Spanish-speaking individuals, with a clear, step-by-step method that isn’t just academic—it’s proven, logical, and designed for non-native speakers who need practical communication skills in their everyday lives.
What sets us apart is our deep understanding of how adults learn. We use bilingual instruction strategically, not as a crutch, but as a bridge to deeper comprehension. We combine classroom instruction with exclusive listening lab sessions, real-world vocabulary, and culturally relevant content. Our instructors are not just textbook teachers — they are trained ESL instructors who know how to guide students from “I understand nothing” to “I can finally say what I need.”
Our services include:
* Structured English courses from beginner to advanced levels
* Listening and speaking lab sessions
* Placement testing and skills assessments
* Specialized English for professionals (real estate, customer service, etc.)
* Saturday and evening classes to fit working schedules
We don’t sell shortcuts. We sell results through hard work, proven methodology, and genuine connection with our students.
The biggest problem we solve is frustration. Students come to us after wasting time in generic classes or relying on apps and tips that left them feeling stuck. We give them clarity, structure, and confidence. We also provide a sense of community—especially important for immigrants who often feel isolated.
What I’m most proud of is the impact. We’ve seen students who once couldn’t introduce themselves in English now leading their own businesses. Their transformation is what drives us every day.
If there’s one thing I’d want readers to remember about English 101, it’s this: We’re not a trendy language app. We’re a human-centered school where learning is real, respectful, and long-lasting. If you’re serious about learning English — or helping someone take that step — we’re here to walk that path with you.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was this: “If you build something good, people will automatically come.”
In the early days of English 101, I poured all my energy into creating a high-quality program—well-structured courses, listening labs, assessment systems, everything. I believed that the value of the product would speak for itself and that word would naturally spread. I thought, “If I just focus on quality, success will follow.”
But the truth is, that’s not how it works — especially in a crowded city like Houston. You can have the best service, but if people don’t know you exist, it won’t matter. We had a few students in the beginning, but growth was slow. That was frustrating because I knew we were delivering something better than what many schools were offering.
So, I had to unlearn the idea that excellence alone is enough, and learn how to be a marketer, a connector, and a storyteller. I had to get out of the classroom and into the community — networking, handing out flyers, starting social media campaigns, and creating partnerships. That shift changed everything.
It taught me that in business, quality is just the foundation. Visibility, trust-building, and communication are what allow your mission to grow and reach the people who truly need it.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Absolutely. One of the biggest and most defining pivots in my business happened in 2020, just a few months after we had officially opened English 101 Language School. We had spent months preparing—refining our curriculum, setting up the classrooms, printing materials, and building momentum in the community. Our early students were seeing real progress, and everything was starting to fall into place. Then the pandemic hit.
Almost overnight, we had to shut down our in-person operations. At that time, we were a new, small school without a big digital infrastructure. Many of our students didn’t even have experience with online learning, and truthfully, neither did we. It felt like everything we worked for was at risk of collapsing. But giving up was never an option. So, we pivoted —fast.
I spent days turning physical classroom materials into digital content, recording audio tracks for listening practice, setting up video conferencing platforms, and creating new schedules. We re-trained ourselves on how to deliver instruction virtually and guided students, step by step, on how to join their online classes. Some students had never used Zoom or taken a virtual class before.
That pivot taught me a lot. First, that adaptability is non-negotiable. Second, that our mission—empowering people to communicate and succeed in a new language — could happen anywhere, if we were willing to rethink how we delivered it. It wasn’t easy, but it made us stronger.
Today, we still use many of the tools and strategies developed during that pivot. It reminded me that setbacks can be turning points, and that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about growing through change.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @english101tx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/english101tx
Image Credits
Marlon Urbina